President Dallin H. Oaks on God's love as motivation for the Church's actions

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"The teachings and policies of the Lord’s restored Church apply these eternal truths in a way that can be fully understood only in the context of our Heavenly Father’s loving plan for all of His children.

"Thus, we honor individual agency. Most are aware of this Church’s great efforts to promote religious freedom. These efforts are in furtherance of our Heavenly Father’s plan. We seek to help all of His children—not just our own members—enjoy the precious freedom to choose.

"Similarly, we are sometimes asked why we send missionaries to so many nations, even among Christian populations. We are also asked why we give enormous humanitarian aid to persons who are not members of our Church without linking this to our missionary efforts. We do this because the Lord has taught us to esteem all of His children as our brothers and sisters, and we want to share our spiritual and temporal abundance with everyone."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Divine Love in the Father's Plan," General Conference April 2022, Sunday afternoon

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Oaks spoke in his conference address about the eternal love of God that is behind the doctrine and policies of the Church. Our lack of understanding of that love often causes us to misunderstand or question the doctrines and policies. When we ever feel confusion or uncertainty, we should remember that our view is likely incomplete; faith can fill in the missing parts temporarily until understanding comes.

The actions and decisions of the Church are based on God's love for all of His children. We need never doubt or question that. President Oaks points out specific examples of some policies that illustrate the point, including missionary effort and humanitarian contributions:

 My experience as a full-time missionary in the humanitarian services program program confirmed that principle. We were carefully instructed and trained that we were NOT proselytizing in our efforts; we were representatives of the Church, sharing humanitarian donations without restriction or expectation. It was a beautiful experience!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on the timing of spiritual promptings

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"Revelations from God—the teachings and directions of the Spirit—are not constant. We believe in continuing revelation, not continuous revelation. We are often left to work out problems without the dictation or specific direction of the Spirit. That is part of the experience we must have in mortality. Fortunately, we are never out of our Savior's sight, and if our judgment leads us to actions beyond the limits of what is permissible and if we are listening to the still, small voice, the Lord will restrain us by the promptings of his Spirit....

"The Lord will speak to us in his own time and in his own way. This is usually by what the scriptures call the 'still small voice' of enlightenment. We are often obliged to act upon our best judgment, subject to the Spirit's restraining impressions if we have strayed beyond permissible limits. Revelation is a reality. It comes in the Lord's way and according to the Lord's timetable."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Teaching and Learning by the Spirit," Ensign, March 1997, p. 14
Click here to read the full talk

The difference between "continuing" (or "continual") and "continuous" is a subtle but significant one. The words are often not used correctly. Something that is "continuous" does not stop and start; it is always ongoing, uninterrupted, never ceasing (the river flows continuously to the sea). But things that are "continuing" occur frequently or regularly, in an ongoing manner, but are sometimes interrupted (the continuing rainstorms in the springtime).

Elder Oaks describes revelation as being continuing, not continuous. This is an important distinction. Though direction from the Spirit and other forms of personal revelation do come at important times, we are not given constant direction on what to do. As a part of the mortal experience, the Lord often wants us to learn "to work out problems" on our own, without the "specific direction of the Spirit."

Elder Oaks also states that for a person who is prayerful and humble, even if no specific direction is given, the Spirit will warn if we are taking a wrong direction. Those "restraining impressions" are as valuable as the positive ones that give specific direction, and should never be neglected.

One of the great tasks of mortality is becoming familiar with the language of the Spirit. With humility and persistence, this becomes a joyful gift that we claim from the Lord.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
May 17, 2016

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on revelation and personal decisions

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"A desire to be led by the Lord is a strength, but it needs to be accompanied by an understanding that our Heavenly Father leaves many decisions for our personal choices. Personal decision making is one of the sources of the growth we are meant to experience in mortality. Persons who try to shift all decision making to the Lord and plead for revelation in every choice will soon find circumstances in which they pray for guidance and don't receive it. For example, this is likely to occur in those numerous circumstances in which the choices are trivial or either choice is acceptable.

"We should study things out in our minds, using the reasoning powers our Creator has placed within us. Then we should pray for guidance and act upon it if we receive it. If we do not receive guidance, we should act upon our best judgment. Persons who persist in seeking revelatory guidance on subjects on which the Lord has not chosen to direct us may concoct an answer out of their own fantasy or bias, or they may even receive an answer through the medium of false revelation. Revelation from God is a sacred reality, but like other sacred things, it must be cherished and used properly so that a great strength does not become a disabling weakness."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall," BYU 18-Stake Fireside, June 7, 1992; quoted in Ensign, Oct. 1994, pp. 13-14
Click here to read the full talk

Sometimes we struggle in our mortal experience to find the right "balance" in a variety of ways. Elder Oaks explains one of them: how does personal agency and the need to choose and learn, balance with promises of inspiration and spiritual direction? He gives wise counsel on the tendency of some to require or expect revelation on every decision of life, warning that it is not going to come, particularly in cases where "the choices are trivial or either choice is acceptable":

Note that Elder Oaks didn't warn (in this excerpt) about the other extreme (not asking God at all for help) since his talk focused on a general theme of how something appears to be a good thing, a "strength," can become a challenge or weakness.

The second paragraph gives his counsel on how we should expect to see revelation in our personal lives. The process he describes is:

1. When faced with a decision, "study things out in our minds." Use our God-given faculties to consider the problem and alternatives
2. Pray for guidance
3. If we receive a spiritual prompting, act on it
4. If we do not receive a prompting, act on our best judgement

I especially appreciated the warning about not expecting revelation in every case, and the potential traps that can lead to.  Wise counsel!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
June 22, 2016

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on always remembering the Savior

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"When we partake of the sacrament, we witness unto God the Eternal Father that we 'do always remember' his Son (see D&C 20:77, 79; 3 Ne. 18:7, 11). Each Sabbath day millions of Latter-day Saints make this promise. What does it mean to 'always remember' our Savior?

"To remember means to keep in memory. In the scriptures, it often means to keep a person in memory, together with associated emotions like love, loyalty, or gratitude. The stronger the emotion, the more vivid and influential the memory....

"He whom we should always remember is He who gave us mortal life, He who showed us the way to a happy life, and He who redeems us so we can have immortality and eternal life.

"If we keep our covenant that we will always remember him, we can always have his Spirit to be with us (see D&C 20:77, 79). That Spirit will testify of him, and it will guide us into truth.

"His teachings and his example will guide and strengthen us in the way we should live. The effect was described in the words of the once popular song, 'Try to remember, and if you remember, then follow' ('Try to Remember,' words by Tom Jones)."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Always Remember Him," General Conference April 1988
Click here to read the full talk

The power and importance of remembering is that it influences our decisions and actions. When we remember someone or something that is very important to us, we make future choices in that context; we evaluate the options and consequences of new situations based on what we recall and know about the important previous person or principle.

It is a sacred privilege to recommit each week in our sacramental covenants to "always remember Him." As Elder Oaks teaches, our memories of the Savior are associated with emotions including love, loyalty, and gratitude. When those emotions are strong, then remembering Him becomes "vivid and influential" in our lives. As we learn about the Savior and understand both his Gospel message and his mission on our behalf, we are constantly influenced in all other events during the encounters and circumstances of our lives.

And always, the promised blessings of "always remember" are there.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
June 28, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on desires, priorities, choices, and actions

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming...

"Readjusting our desires to give highest priority to the things of eternity is not easy. We are all tempted to desire that worldly quartet of property, prominence, pride, and power. We might desire these, but we should not fix them as our highest priorities....

"All of us face potential traps that will prevent progress toward our eternal destiny. If our righteous desires are sufficiently intense, they will motivate us to cut and carve ourselves free from addictions and other sinful pressures and priorities that prevent our eternal progress.

"We should remember that righteous desires cannot be superficial, impulsive, or temporary. They must be heartfelt, unwavering, and permanent....

"As important as it is to lose every desire for sin, eternal life requires more. To achieve our eternal destiny, we will desire and work for the qualities required to become an eternal being. For example, eternal beings forgive all who have wronged them. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves. And they love all of God's children. If this seems too difficult—and surely it is not easy for any of us—then we should begin with a desire for such qualities and call upon our loving Heavenly Father for help with our feelings. The Book of Mormon teaches us that we should 'pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ' (Moroni 7:48)."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Desire," General Conference April 2011
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Oaks describes this sequence of how things happen in our lives:

Desires -> Priorities ->  Choices -> Actions -> Changes, Achievements

When we control our desires, we ultimately control our actions and life's direction. But Elder Oaks acknowledges that it's difficult to change our priorities in the midst of the world's temptations:

I thought his acknowledgement was interesting—we might desire some of those "worldly" things, but we must be careful to keep them prioritized among all of our priorities. Our righteous desires must be intense enough to provide the motivation to righteousness and change in our lives. We have to do more than just lose the desire for sin; we have to build and promote those desires for higher things, for holy things. That will lead to the kind of "becoming" that will show we are "true followers" of the Savior.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 30, 2016

President Dallin H. Oaks on thanking God always, even in adversity

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"In one of the times of spiritual and temporal adversity recorded in the Book of Mormon, when the people of God were 'suffering all manner of afflictions,' the Lord commanded them to 'give thanks in all things' (Mosiah 26:38-39). I wish to apply that teaching to our time....

"We have so much for which to give thanks. First and foremost, we are thankful for our Savior Jesus Christ. Under the plan of the Father, He created the world. Through His prophets, He revealed the plan of salvation with its accompanying commandments and ordinances. He came into mortality to teach and show us the way. He suffered and paid the price for our sins if we would repent. He gave up His life, and He conquered death and rose from the grave that we all will live again. He is the Light and Life of the World. As King Benjamin taught, if we 'should render all the thanks and praise which [our] whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created [us], and has kept and preserved [us], and... should serve him with all [our] whole souls yet [we] would be unprofitable servants' (Mosiah 2:20-21)....

"When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life. We are sent here to be tested. There must be opposition in all things. We are meant to learn and grow through that opposition, through meeting our challenges, and through teaching others to do the same....

"When we understand this principle, that God offers us opportunities for blessings and blesses us through our own adversities and the adversities of others, we can understand why He has commanded us again and again to 'thank the Lord thy God in all things' (D&C 59:7)."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Give Thanks in All Things," Ensign, May 2003, pp. 95-98
Click here to read the full talk

"We have so much for which to give thanks." That message applies to every person, at ever time, in every situation. The primary and most important of all, is for the Savior and His acts of service and love on our behalf, that can never be earned or repaid.

If we truly understand that one thing, we can never stop being grateful, regardless of any circumstances of life. Any "hardships and adversities" that befall us, seen in the context of that eternal gift, fall into place in the eternal plan.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
November 18, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on blind obedience vs. obedience strengthened by knowledge

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"Members who have a testimony and who act upon it under the direction of their Church leaders are sometimes accused of blind obedience.

"Of course, we have leaders, and of course, we are subject to their decisions and directions in the operation of the Church and in the performance of needed priesthood ordinances. But when it comes to learning and knowing the truth of the gospel—our personal testimonies—we each have a direct relationship with God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, through the powerful witness of the Holy Ghost. This is what our critics fail to understand. It puzzles them that we can be united in following our leaders and yet independent in knowing for ourselves.

"Perhaps the puzzle some feel can be explained by the reality that each of us has two different channels to God. We have a channel of governance through our prophet and other leaders. This channel, which has to do with doctrine, ordinances, and commandments, results in obedience. We also have a channel of personal testimony, which is direct to God. This has to do with His existence, our relationship to Him, and the truth of His restored gospel. This channel results in knowledge. These two channels are mutually reinforcing: knowledge encourages obedience (see Deuteronomy 5:27; Moses 5:11), and obedience enhances knowledge (see John 7:17; D&C 93:1).

"We all act upon or give obedience to knowledge. Whether in science or religion, our obedience is not blind when we act upon knowledge suited to the subject of our action.... when the Holy Ghost gives our souls a witness of the truth of the restored gospel and the calling of a modern prophet, our choice to follow those teachings is not blind obedience."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Testimony," General Conference, April 2008
Click here to read the full talk

Many who are Church members have been accused of "blind obedience" because of our loyalty to our faith or to our leaders. Elder Oaks helps clarify an important distinction; instead of "blind" obedience, he would argue for "intelligent obedience" or "enlightened obedience." The great truth is that "we can be united in following our leaders and yet independent in knowing for ourselves."

So it's critical to have both of those "channels to God" in place in our lives. To me, the real key to the clarification Elder Oaks is sharing is this final statement of the excerpt: "When the Holy Ghost gives our souls a witness of the truth of the restored gospel and the calling of a modern prophet, our choice to follow those teachings is not blind obedience." So true!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
August 12, 2015

President Dallin H. Oaks on the blessings of church service

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"In a church we don’t just serve alone or by our own choice or at our convenience. We usually serve in a team. In service we find heaven-sent opportunities to rise above the individualism of our age. Church-directed service helps us overcome the personal selfishness that can retard our spiritual growth.

"There are other important advantages to mention, even briefly. In church we associate with wonderful people striving to serve God. This reminds us that we are not alone in our religious activities. We all need associations with others, and church associations are some of the best we can experience, for us and our companions and children. Without those associations, especially between children and faithful parents, research shows increasing difficulty for parents to raise children in their faith....

"Our members’ religious faith and Church service have taught them how to work in cooperative efforts to benefit the larger community. That kind of experience and development does not happen in the individualism so prevalent in the practices of our current society. In the geographic organization of our local wards, we associate and work with persons we might not otherwise have chosen, persons who teach us and test us.

"In addition to helping us learn spiritual qualities like love, compassion, forgiveness, and patience, this gives us the opportunities to learn how to work with persons of very different backgrounds and preferences. This advantage has helped many of our members, and many organizations are blessed by their participation."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Need for a Church," General Conference October 2021, Saturday morning

Click here to read or watch the complete talk

President Oaks spoke about the importance and benefits of church participation in our lives. He discussed a number of advantages, including the opportunities to serve that an organization provides.
Our service opportunities are often assigned to us (in callings), but can also be voluntary as a part of the organization. In either case, we learn many lessons from the act of service. One of the most important is to overcome the self-focused attitude so prevalent in our time, and become more aware of the needs and challenges of others all around us.

 

The chance to "learn spiritual qualities like love, compassion, forgiveness, and patience" is a powerful blessing, along with the associations with others in our neighborhoods and communities. All of those things are blessings of service, but the real motivation should always be Christ-like love for our brothers and sisters.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on the timing of the Lord

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"If we have faith in God and if we are committed to the fundamentals of keeping His commandments and putting Him first in our lives, we do not need to plan every single event—even every important event—and we should not feel rejected or depressed if some things—even some very important things—do not happen at the time we had planned or hoped or prayed.

"Commit yourself to put the Lord first in your life, keep His commandments, and do what the Lord's servants ask you to do. Then your feet are on the pathway to eternal life. Then it does not matter whether you are called to be a bishop or a Relief Society president, whether you are married or single, or whether you die tomorrow. You do not know what will happen. Do your best on what is fundamental and personal and then trust in the Lord and His timing."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Timing," BYU devotional address, 29 January 2002; see Ensign, Oct. 2003, pp. 10-17
Click here to read the full talk

I include myself among those who have struggled with questions of timing, when things didn't seem to happen the way I hoped or planned, or the way I thought I "deserved." In many cases, the passage of time has proved that there was wisdom and blessing in the delay. In other cases, I'm still waiting to understand. But learning to trust in faith has to be one of the great purposes of this existence.

Truly, the key to happiness is to learn to trust in God's timing. When we have confidence in His wisdom, it will make the delays easier to understand.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 28, 2015

President Dallin H. Oaks on preparing to receive the seed of the Gospel

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"The parable of the sower ends with the Savior's description of the seed that 'fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit' in various measures (Matthew 13:8). How can we prepare ourselves to be that good ground and to have that good harvest?

"Jesus explained that 'the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience' (Luke 8:15). We have the seed of the gospel word. It is up to each of us to set the priorities and to do the things that make our soil good and our harvest plentiful. We must seek to be firmly rooted and converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Colossians 2:6–7). We achieve this conversion by praying, by scripture reading, by serving, and by regularly partaking of the sacrament to always have His Spirit to be with us. We must also seek that mighty change of heart (see Alma 5:12–14) that replaces evil desires and selfish concerns with the love of God and the desire to serve Him and His children."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Parable of the Sower," General Conference, April 2015, Saturday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

In this Conference address, Elder Oaks reviewed the Parable of the Sower. He gave modern interpretation and application to some of the challenges that were described anciently, in two broad categories:

• Stony ground, no root: those who are superficial in their testimony or devotion, confused by the teachings of the world, or narrow in their view of the Gospel
• Choked by thorns: caught up in a desire for riches or the cares of the world

His cautions about the dangers of our time are very worth reviewing, in consideration of our personal progress and status.

Having warned about the dangers, Elder Oaks also talked about the blessing of those who are nourishing the seeds of the Gospel in good soil, giving careful attention to the things that will protect from danger and encourage growth. This is wonderful positive advice:

If we choose to set our priorities as we should, we can "make our soil good and our harvest plentiful."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
April 22, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on following the examples of pioneers

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"It is not enough to study or reenact the accomplishments of our pioneers. We need to identify the great, eternal principles they applied to achieve all they achieved for our benefit and then apply those principles to the challenges of our day. In that way we honor their pioneering efforts, and we also reaffirm our heritage and strengthen its capacity to bless our own posterity and 'those millions of our Heavenly Father's children who have yet to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ' (Our Heritage 145). We are all pioneers in doing so.

"Many of our challenges are different from those faced by former pioneers but perhaps just as dangerous and surely as significant to our own salvation and the salvation of those who follow us. For example, as for life-threatening obstacles, the wolves that prowled around pioneer settlements were no more dangerous to their children than the drug dealers or pornographers who threaten our children. Similarly, the early pioneers' physical hunger posed no greater threat to their well-being than the spiritual hunger experienced by many in our day. The children of earlier pioneers were required to do incredibly hard physical work to survive their environment. That was no greater challenge than many of our young people now face from the absence of hard work, which results in spiritually corrosive challenges to discipline, responsibility, and self-worth. Jesus taught: 'And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell' (Matt. 10:28)."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Following the Pioneers," General Conference October 1997
Click here to read the full talk

Today, July 24, is the traditional "Pioneer Day" commemoration. It's now been 174 years since the first of the Mormon advance company entered the Salt Lake valley. Each year, members of the Church in Utah and around the world remember that event with celebrations, family gatherings, parades, and pioneer reenactments. But is that enough?

Elder Oaks counsels us to do more than just study the history of the pioneers, or participate in reenactments of their challenges and accomplishments. He provides the great challenge to find "eternal principles" that helped them achieve what they did, and then "apply those principles to the challenges of our day." In doing so, we link ourselves to them and to the truths they held dear.

He then proceeds to give several examples, comparing some of the pioneer challenges to our modern circumstances. I appreciate this insight; it's a model of how we should always ponder as we read the scriptures or any historic account. We should not just be learning about the past; we should be learning lessons that can help us today!

Pioneer image, Glen Hopkinson, courtesy of lds.org

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
July 24, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on spiritual preparedness

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow—through our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would we do today? What confessions would we make? What practices would we discontinue? What accounts would we settle? What forgivenesses would we extend? What testimonies would we bear?

"If we would do those things then, why not now? Why not seek peace while peace can be obtained? If our lamps of preparation are drawn down, let us start immediately to replenish them.

"We need to make both temporal and spiritual preparation for the events prophesied at the time of the Second Coming. And the preparation most likely to be neglected is the one less visible and more difficult—the spiritual. A 72-hour kit of temporal supplies may prove valuable for earthly challenges, but, as the foolish virgins learned to their sorrow, a 24-hour kit of spiritual preparation is of greater and more enduring value."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Preparation for the Second Coming", General Conference April 2004
Click here to read the full talk

One way to focus attention on "the things that matter most" is to undertake the exercise Elder Oaks mentions: if I knew my mortal life would be over tomorrow, what would I do today? Would there be things I would want to change, to repair, to focus on, even for a single day? People to forgive, testimonies to bear? And of course, the obvious next question is, "Why not now?" We should be making earnest efforts to focus our energies in the best possible ways, regardless of how much time we have remaining.

The additional warning is that our spiritual preparation needs as much focus as our temporal preparation often receives:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
April 9, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on the eternal perspective of our lives

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"The pure in heart have a distinctive way of looking at life. Their attitudes and desires cause them to view their experiences in terms of eternity. This eternal perspective affects their choices and priorities. As they draw farther from worldliness they feel closer to our Father in Heaven and more able to be guided by his Spirit. We call this state of mind, this quality of life, spirituality. 

"Spirituality is a lens through which we view life and a gauge by which we evaluate it.... To be spiritually minded is to view and evaluate experiences in terms of the enlarged perspective of eternity." 

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Pure in Heart" (Deseret 1991), pp. 111-112; see also Dallin H. Oaks, "Spirituality," Ensign, November 1985, pp. 61-63
Click here to read the full talk

Somehow, it seems to be a challenge for many of us to view our more challenging experiences "in terms of eternity." Instead, our tendency is to forget eternity in the midst of trials and difficulties. But Elder Oaks points out that the "pure in heart" find that perspective easy to maintain. The more we are able to separate ourselves from worldliness, the more we can be guided by God's influence and can see things in eternal perspective.

As we become more "pure in heart" wewill see that our way of looking at life changes, and the eternal perspective is much more natural. Spirituality allows us to view everything that occurs to us "in terms of theenlarged perspective of eternity." What a blessing, and what an advantage! That should truly be our quest.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 9, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on following the Savior

Elder Oaks (1932- ) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"Throughout His ministry Jesus gave commandments. And He taught, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15; see also verses 21, 23).... 

"Latter-day Saints understand that we should not be 'of the world' or bound to 'the tradition of men,' but like other followers of Christ, we sometimes find it difficult to separate ourselves from the world and its traditions.... 

"Jesus's teachings were not meant to be theoretical. Always they were to be acted upon. Jesus taught, 'Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man' (Matthew 7:24; see also Luke 11:28) and 'Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing' (Matthew 24:46). In another beloved hymn we sing:

Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown....
Savior, may I learn to love thee--
Lord, I would follow thee. (Hymns, no. 220)

"As Jesus taught, those who love Him will keep His commandments. They will be obedient.... Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places." 

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Followers of Christ," General Conference April 2013
Click here to read the full talk

It's one thing to talk about loving God or the Savior; it's quite another to actually do it. His teachings are not just theoretical. They are truly a guide to be acted upon. We learn to love him as we follow, as we obey, as we grow in love. It takes effort. It requires us to learn, and then to act. It requires consistency and an ongoing commitment. It is truly life-changing!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 15, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on conversion and becoming

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (1932- ) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.... 

"We qualify for eternal life through a process of conversion. As used here, this word of many meanings signifies not just a convincing but a profound change of nature.... 

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan by which we can become what children of God are supposed to become. This spotless and perfected state will result from a steady succession of covenants, ordinances, and actions, an accumulation of right choices, and from continuing repentance. 'This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God' (Alma 34:32). 

"Now is the time for each of us to work toward our personal conversion, toward becoming what our Heavenly Father desires us to become." 

- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Challenge to Become," General Conference Oct 2000;
Click here to read the full talk

This was a landmark address by Elder Oaks. His insight on the purpose of our existence helps us understand that we're not checking off a checklist of deeds, actions, even ordinances. We are transforming ourselves into the kind of person for whom all those things are natural occurrences.

So it's not about what we do; it's all about what we become. The purpose of religion and obedience is conversion—the transformation of our natures, as we try to "become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become." And the encouraging message is that the transformation is gradual, but guaranteed, as we pursue the course that leads to it. As we change our natures, as we become more like the Savior, then the actions are a natural outcome.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

February 11, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on personal political involvement

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"Our belief in divine inspiration gives Latter-day Saints a unique responsibility to uphold and defend the United States Constitution and principles of constitutionalism wherever we live. We should trust in the Lord and be positive about this nation’s future.

"What else are faithful Latter-day Saints to do? We must pray for the Lord to guide and bless all nations and their leaders. This is part of our article of faith. Being subject to presidents or rulers of course poses no obstacle to our opposing individual laws or policies. It does require that we exercise our influence civilly and peacefully within the framework of our constitutions and applicable laws. On contested issues, we should seek to moderate and unify.

"There are other duties that are part of upholding the inspired Constitution. We should learn and advocate the inspired principles of the Constitution. We should seek out and support wise and good persons who will support those principles in their public actions. We should be knowledgeable citizens who are active in making our influence felt in civic affairs....

"There are many political issues, and no party, platform, or individual candidate can satisfy all personal preferences. Each citizen must therefore decide which issues are most important to him or her at any particular time. Then members should seek inspiration on how to exercise their influence according to their individual priorities. This process will not be easy. It may require changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election.

"Such independent actions will sometimes require voters to support candidates or political parties or platforms whose other positions they cannot approve. That is one reason we encourage our members to refrain from judging one another in political matters. We should never assert that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate. We teach correct principles and leave our members to choose how to prioritize and apply those principles on the issues presented from time to time."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution," General Conference April 2021 Sunday afternoon

President Oaks is uniquely qualified to prepare and deliver this kind of discourse. His background in legal training and experience are remarkable, along with his apostolic calling. He spoke about the United States Constitution as a foundational document for countries throughout the world, and described the inspired moral principles it lays out to help define our associations and interactions.  President Oaks, in these remarks, built upon some of his previous writings (see for example "The Divinely Inspired Constitution," Ensign February 1992)

I thought President Oaks' counsel on our political opportunities and obligations was so appropriate and timely. We must be educated and aware of the Constitution's principles, and use that understanding to guide our selections and participation. It was especially gratifying to hear his counsel about our choices and involvement in politics, based on that understanding. It is impossible to have a party, or even an individual, that will fully agree with all of our priorities. We regulary have to "pick and choose" based on what we personally feel is most important. But we must never judge or criticize others who choose otherwise! We should seek inspiration on how best to use our agency and influence. Very wise counsel.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)